Become an International Fellow or Distinguished Fellow

Why become an International Fellow?

International Fellow status is an honor that reflects your dedication to the work of the APA and signifies your allegiance to the psychiatric profession.

You are recognized by your colleagues in the Association as a member of a very select group.

All newly appointed International Fellows are publicly recognized at the Convocation of Fellows and Distinguished Fellows, which is held every year during APA’s Annual Meeting.

You receive an embossed International Fellow certificate and a lapel pin in recognition of your status.

Annual dues rates for International Members and International Fellows are the same.

What are the guidelines and criteria for eligibility?

You must be a current APA International Member in good standing, with three (3) years of APA membership OR three (3) years as a Member/ Fellow in good standing of either: 1) Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, 2) Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK), or 3) your national or local psychiatric organization. A letter of verification on the organization’s letterhead is required. The letter must be in English or a certified translation.

Board certification in psychiatry or equivalent, if certification exists in your country.

Approval by the APA Membership Committee in October of each year.

Approval by the APA Board of Trustees in December of each year.

How do I apply?

If you meet all the requirements, please complete the online International Fellowship application. All applications must be submitted to the American Psychiatric Association by August 1 of each year.

Why become an International Distinguished Fellow?

International Distinguished Fellowship is awarded to outstanding psychiatrists who have made significant contributions to the psychiatric profession in at least five of the following areas:

administration

teaching

scientific and scholarly publications

volunteering in mental health and medical activities of social significance

community involvement

clinical excellence

International Distinguished Fellow is one of the highest membership honors the APA bestows upon members.

Guidelines for Election to International Distinguished Fellowship

Candidates for International Distinguished Fellowship must be nominated by an International Distinguished Fellow, Distinguished Fellow or Distinguished Life Fellow of the APA. A qualified member may nominate a member by submitting a letter of nomination that addresses any of the nine criteria listed on this form.

Once nominated, candidates will be notified by APA and asked to complete an International Distinguished Fellowship application. The nominees will be required to provide the names of two International Distinguished Fellows, Distinguished Life Fellows or Distinguished Fellows whom we may write for letters supporting the nomination (the original nominator is the third reference). Nominees may contact APA to verify the membership class of a colleague.

Nominees for International Distinguished Fellowship must fulfill the criteria for Distinguished Fellowship, having made significant and continued contributions to the field of psychiatry in at least five of the areas listed below. Excellence, not mere competence, is the hallmark of an International Distinguished Fellow.

Board Certification, i.e., the equivalent of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Involvement in the affairs of a local, national or international psychiatric association

Involvement in other medical or professional organizations

Participation in non-compensated mental health and medical activities of social significance

Participation in community activities unrelated to income-producing activities

Clinical contributions

Administrative contributions

Teaching contributions

Scientific and scholarly publications

In the recommendation letters, please provide details on the quality of the nominee’s accomplishments in the categories above. Letters that amplify and delineate the quality of each activity reported on the nomination form are crucial to the Committee in its evaluation of the nominee. While at least three of the letters must be from International Fellows, Distinguished Fellows or Distinguished Life Fellows of the APA, letters from other individuals (other members or non-psychiatrists) are strongly encouraged.

All letters should be forwarded to the Committee in care of the APA Membership Department through email at intlmbr@psych.org or by mail at 1000 Wilson Boulevard Suite 1825, Arlington, VA 22209-3901, U.S.A. (Please note: handwritten letters and applications cannot be accepted).

Please complete the nomination form and return to APA no later than July 1 of each year. If additional space is needed, attach addenda, but space on the nomination form must be used first.

All nominations for the honor of International Distinguished Fellowship are reviewed by the APA Membership Committee which then submits its recommendation to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Nominees will be contacted with information about the Board of Trustees’ decision in December each year.